People started looking for Etsy alternatives rapidly after the platform raised its transaction fees from 5% to 6.5% in 2022 . The math is pretty simple but painful: a $20 sale on Etsy leaves you with just $17.65 .
Etsy has a huge customer base and a great reputation for unique items , but these fees can take a big bite out of your profits . Sellers face challenges beyond just the fee structure. The platform’s restrictive store design and limited customization options leave many feeling boxed in . Selling handmade goods or digital products on Etsy might not be the best fit for everyone .
The good news? Several platforms let you keep more of your money and give you extra freedom to run your business. This piece covers 12 Etsy alternatives that could help boost your profits and give you better control of your business in 2025. We looked at everything from WooCommerce’s easy setup to specialized platforms for digital downloads. These options are a great way to get more value for creators who want to maximize their earnings.
Easy Digital Downloads
Image Source: Easy Digital Downloads
Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) stands out as a powerful WordPress plugin built specifically to sell digital goods. Creators who want full control over their digital products trust this platform. The plugin serves as a complete eCommerce solution without marketplace fees and powers over 50,000 websites [1].
Easy Digital Downloads Features
The core team designed EDD with digital sellers in mind. The plugin has these essential features:
- A complete shopping cart system that works with PayPal and Stripe
- Detailed reports you can filter by dates and products
- A full customer management system that tracks purchase history
- Protection and access control for file downloads
- Tools to create and manage discount codes
- Software licensing capabilities developers need [1]
The plugin works smoothly with email marketing tools, affiliate systems, and external storage like Amazon S3 and Dropbox [2]. You can customize it endlessly since it works with all WordPress themes and page builders [1].
Easy Digital Downloads Pros and Cons
Pros:
- You pay no listing or transaction fees [link_2] (unlike Etsy’s 6.5%)
- You own all your customer data
- The free version lets you sell unlimited products
- You control how your store looks and works
- A large library of extensions adds more features
Cons:
- Setting up and maintaining needs WordPress knowledge
- The learning curve is steeper than marketplace platforms
- You need paid plans for advanced features like subscriptions
- Getting traffic is your responsibility
- The reporting tools could work better [3]
Easy Digital Downloads Pricing
EDD gives you a solid free version and paid yearly plans:
- Free: The basic plugin lets you sell unlimited products with PayPal/Stripe
- Personal: $99.50/year for one site with subscriptions and invoicing
- Extended: $199.50/year for one site adds content limits and multi-currency
- Professional: $299.50/year covers two sites with software licensing and marketplace tools
- All Access: $499.50/year supports three sites with every extension [3]
You get a 14-day money-back guarantee with all plans [1].
Easy Digital Downloads Best For
EDD works great for:
- Digital product creators who don’t want marketplace fees
- Software developers selling licensed products
- Content creators with ebooks, templates, or courses
- Businesses that need full control of their digital store
- Sellers building their own brand instead of using marketplaces [3]
EDD helps you build an independent store without ongoing transaction fees, unlike Etsy. While setup takes more work, your profit margins could be much higher over time.
WooCommerce
Image Source: WooCommerce
WooCommerce stands as a giant in the e-commerce world with an impressive 28.19% market share of all online stores [4]. This free, open-source platform turns your WordPress site into a complete online store. Creators looking to maximize profits will find it an excellent Etsy alternative.
WooCommerce key features
The platform’s capabilities are nowhere near what most marketplace platforms offer:
- Complete WordPress integration that streamlines website management
- Knowing how to sell physical products, digital downloads, and subscriptions [4]
- Access to 50,000+ extensions that boost functionality [4]
- Support for 100+ payment gateways including PayPal and Stripe [4]
- AI-powered product recommendations that drive sales [4]
- Global tax automation that simplifies compliance [4]
- Built-in analytics that track store performance [4]
- Full SEO optimization through WordPress integration [4]
WooCommerce pros and cons
Pros:
- No transaction fees beyond payment processor charges [5]
- Full control over store design and branding [5]
- Unlimited products without listing restrictions [4]
- Thousands of themes that enable deep customization [4]
- Built-in blogging features that power content marketing [5]
- Scalability from small shops to enterprise-level stores [4]
Cons:
- Simple WordPress knowledge needed for effective setup
- Extra costs for hosting, domain, and premium themes
- Higher maintenance needs than marketplace platforms
- Store owners must generate their own traffic
- Setup process can overwhelm beginners [5]
WooCommerce pricing
The plugin comes free, but running a WooCommerce store includes several costs:
- Core platform: $0 (completely free to download and use)
- Hosting: $48-$540+ per year depending on provider [2]
- Domain name: $7-$79 per year [2]
- Premium themes: $49-$99+ per year if needed [2]
- Payment processing: Typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction [2]
Annual costs range from $200 to over $1,500 based on specific requirements [2].
WooCommerce best for
The platform proves ideal for:
- Creators who want complete ownership of their brand and customer relationships
- Sellers avoiding Etsy’s 6.5% transaction fees
- Digital product creators needing flexible delivery options [6]
- Businesses ready to scale beyond marketplace limits
- Entrepreneurs building a long-term, independent online presence
WooCommerce excels at selling digital products through its built-in file protection and access control features [6]. The platform gives you freedom to grow your product line without typical marketplace restrictions.
Gumroad
Image Source: Gumroad
Gumroad is a simple platform that helps creators sell digital products without any complex setup. Since 2011, this intuitive marketplace has focused on digital goods but also lets you sell physical products.
Gumroad key features
Gumroad gives creators tools that make online selling easier:
- Built-in email marketing to build audience and launch products [7]
- Pay-what-you-want pricing options that help you monetize better [7]
- Membership and subscription features for steady income [7]
- License key generation that software developers just need [7]
- Multiple file formats (PDF, ePub, mobi) for ebook sellers [7]
- Workflow automation to handle email sequences and customer interactions [7]
- Analytics tools to track how well you’re selling [7]
On top of that, it works as your merchant of record to handle worldwide sales tax collection and payments [8]. This saves the core team plenty of administrative work.
Gumroad pros and cons
Pros:
- You can upload, price, and share a link right away [3]
- No monthly costs—fees apply only when you make sales [8]
- All but one of these products are unlimited at any plan level [1]
- Custom checkout fields let you personalize orders [1]
- Digital products reach customers automatically [1]
- Direct access to customer data helps build relationships [3]
Cons:
- Fees are nowhere near low—10% + $0.50 per sale [8]
- Storefront design options are limited [3]
- You must bring your own audience—no built-in traffic [3]
- Simple analytics compared to full e-commerce platforms [1]
- Product organization tools are basic [9]
- PayPal payouts stopped in 2024 [3]
Gumroad pricing
Gumroad keeps its fee structure simple:
- Standard sales: 10% + $0.50 per transaction [8]
- Discover marketplace sales: 30% per transaction (when customers find you through Gumroad) [8]
- Zero monthly fees or subscriptions [8]
These fees are higher than typical payment processors that charge around 2.9% + $0.30 [3].
Gumroad best for
Gumroad works great as an Etsy alternative for:
- Digital creators who just need a quick, no-code solution [3]
- Content creators selling ebooks, music, templates, or courses [3]
- People with existing audiences who want smooth checkouts [10]
- Sellers testing new digital products [1]
- Artists who prefer intuitive platforms [3]
Unlike Etsy’s marketplace approach, Gumroad lets creators own their customer relationships and email lists. This is a great way to get long-term business growth.
Sellfy
Image Source: Sellfy
Sellfy started as a platform for digital downloads and grew into a complete eCommerce solution. Creators can now sell digital products, physical goods, subscriptions, and print-on-demand items. The platform stands out from other Etsy alternatives because you can launch your store in under 10 minutes [2].
Sellfy key features
The platform comes packed with strong tools that make it stand out as an Etsy alternative:
- Unlimited products, storage, and bandwidth for all plan levels [11]
- Built-in print-on-demand service to sell custom merchandise [6]
- Email marketing with abandoned cart recovery capabilities [6]
- Upselling features that boost your average order value [6]
- PDF stamping that protects your digital products from piracy [6]
- Custom domain support that builds your brand’s strength [6]
- Mobile-optimized storefronts that create smooth shopping experiences [6]
The sort of thing I love about Sellfy is its instant payout system. Money lands in your account right when customers make purchases [12], unlike Etsy’s delayed payments.
Sellfy pros and cons
Pros:
- No transaction fees beyond payment processor charges [12]
- User-friendly platform that’s quick to set up [2]
- White-label options on higher plans [13]
- Built-in marketing tools with discount codes and email campaigns [6]
- Clean checkout process designed for conversions [12]
Cons:
- You must pay a monthly subscription, unlike Etsy’s free listing model [2]
- Customization options are nowhere near WordPress-based alternatives [2]
- PayPal and Stripe are your only payment gateway options [14]
- Simple analytics tools that can confuse users [15]
- Advanced marketing features come with pricier plans [13]
Sellfy pricing
The platform offers three clear pricing tiers with yearly discount options:
- Starter: $29/month ($22/month annually) – Up to $10k yearly sales [16]
- Business: $79/month ($59/month annually) – Up to $50k yearly sales [16]
- Premium: $159/month ($119/month annually) – Up to $200k yearly sales [16]
Every plan includes unlimited products and core features without transaction fees [16]. Payment processing fees still apply at 2.9% + $0.30 [16].
Sellfy best for
The platform shines for:
- Digital creators who want a simple, no-code selling solution
- Content makers selling digital products or courses
- Artists ready to launch merchandise without inventory hassles
- Sellers looking to avoid Etsy’s 6.5% transaction fees
- Creators who prefer one platform instead of multiple tools
Creative Market
Image Source: Creative Market
Creative Market has built a specialized niche in the digital products space with over 6 million members. The platform serves creators who sell digital goods like fonts, graphics, templates, and themes, which sets it apart from other Etsy alternatives [4].
Creative Market key features
The platform offers several features that designers love:
- Generous file size limits up to 4GB per upload [17]
- A weekly free goods program that showcases sellers and draws in buyers [17]
- Membership plans with discounts and monthly credits [5]
- Free monthly design asset bundles worth up to $1000 for subscribers [18]
- Shop analytics that help track sales performance [19]
- Easy-to-understand commercial licensing options [5]
- Marketing help through email newsletters and social media [7]
Creative Market pros and cons
Pros:
- High-quality digital design assets in wide variety [5]
- No fees to list products, unlike Etsy’s per-item charges [17]
- A community of professional designers who support each other [7]
- Simple product listing process that needs no technical expertise [7]
- Customer reviews that build trust in your products [7]
Cons:
- Sellers get only 50% of each sale due to high commission [19]
- Buyers pay an extra $0.96 platform fee per transaction [20]
- Products limited to digital goods only [4]
- Customer base smaller than Etsy’s [4]
- Platform sets strict minimum pricing requirements [20]
Creative Market pricing
Sellers should know these simple pricing rules:
- No cost to list products [17]
- Platform takes 50% commission on sales [19]
- Minimum $20 needed for payout [17]
- Monthly payment processing instead of instant payouts [17]
Buyers can choose membership plans between $19.95 and $99.95 monthly, which give 5-25% discounts on purchases [18].
Creative Market best for
This platform works great as an Etsy alternative for:
- Graphic designers with fonts, templates, or digital art
- Photographers selling stock images
- Web designers offering themes and UI kits
- Digital artists who create professional design assets
- Creators who focus only on digital products
The platform ended up being perfect for designers who want a dedicated marketplace for digital creations and accept sharing half their revenue to reach more customers.
Payhip
Image Source: Payhip
Payhip stands out as one of the most available Etsy alternatives that helps creators sell both digital and physical products. This all-in-one platform trusted by over 130,000 ambitious sellers [21] makes online selling simple without requiring technical expertise.
Payhip key features
Payhip excels with these creator-friendly features:
- Multi-product flexibility—sell digital downloads, courses, coaching, memberships, and physical products [22]
- Customizable storefront with no coding required [21]
- Automatic EU/UK VAT handling and reporting [22]
- Built-in marketing tools including coupons, affiliates, and social discounts [23]
- Instant payouts through PayPal and Stripe integration [22]
- Email marketing features for customer updates [22]
- Custom domain connection at no extra cost [8]
Note that Payhip handles digital product delivery automatically and gives you direct access to customer information—a key advantage over Etsy.
Payhip pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple setup process even for beginners
- Zero listing fees [24]
- Full access to all features on free plan [25]
- Direct customer communication builds relationships [26]
- Easy distribution of pattern/product updates to past customers [24]
- White-label options create branded customer experience
Cons:
- Transaction fees on free and mid-tier plans [27]
- Limited storefront customization compared to WordPress solutions
- You must build your own audience—no built-in traffic generation
- PayPal and Stripe are the only supported payment gateways [1]
- Basic SEO tools limit organic visibility [1]
Payhip pricing
Payhip keeps pricing simple with three tiers:
- Free Forever: $0/month + 5% transaction fee [27]
- Plus: $29/month + 2% transaction fee [27]
- Pro: $99/month with no transaction fee [27]
Your business growth determines which plan makes financial sense, unlike Etsy’s mandatory fees. Each plan includes unlimited products and revenue potential [25].
Payhip best for
Payhip serves these groups best:
- Digital creators who want simplicity without technical barriers
- Sellers looking to avoid Etsy’s listing fees and higher transaction rates
- Course creators who need built-in teaching tools
- Membership site owners who require subscription billing
- Small businesses ready to own their customer relationships instead of using marketplaces
Lemon Squeezy
Image Source: Lemon Squeezy
Need a hassle-free Etsy alternative to sell digital products? Lemon Squeezy makes online selling simple with its well-named platform that caters to creators, educators, and software developers. Stripe acquired the platform in 2024, and it focuses solely on digital goods.
Lemon Squeezy key features
The platform provides creator-friendly tools that make digital product sales effortless:
- Merchant of Record services handle tax collection and liability in all jurisdictions
- License key generation gives you complete management control for software products
- Subscription flexibility lets you bill weekly, monthly, or yearly
- Abandoned cart recovery automatically brings back lost sales
- File hosting delivers digital products securely
- Email marketing runs simple campaigns
- Customizable checkout fits anywhere through simple links
- Affiliate program comes built right into the platform
Lemon Squeezy pros and cons
Pros:
- You pay only when sales happen—no monthly fees
- Complete tax handling ensures global compliance
- Support for 130+ currencies
- AI-powered fraud protection system
- Quick setup with an easy-to-use interface
- Clean checkout experience optimized for conversions
Cons:
- Transaction fees of 5% + $0.50 exceed some competitors
- Orders through affiliates incur an extra 3% fee
- International transactions cost 1.5% more
- Your products get limited marketplace exposure
- Payouts come only twice each month
- Physical products aren’t supported
Lemon Squeezy pricing
Here’s a clear breakdown of costs:
- Basic fee: 5% + $0.50 per transaction without monthly charges
- Additional fees: International transactions add 1.5%, PayPal payments add 1.5%
- Affiliate sales: Orders through affiliates add 3%
- Payout fees: US bank accounts receive free transfers, international accounts pay 1%
Lemon Squeezy best for
The platform serves these users particularly well:
- Digital creators who want simple tax compliance
- Software developers needing license key systems
- Course creators and ebook sellers
- Subscription-based service providers
- Creators with existing audiences who want smooth checkouts
Shopify
Image Source: Shopify
Shopify powers over 6 million online stores worldwide. The platform stands out as a strong alternative to Etsy for creators who want complete control over their brand. This all-in-one commerce platform helps you build and customize your online store while selling through multiple channels.
Shopify key features
The platform provides creators with these powerful capabilities:
- 70+ no-code themes to customize your online store [9]
- Sell everywhere – social platforms, marketplaces, and physical locations [3]
- A checkout system that converts 15% better than competitors [3]
- Marketing tools for your email campaigns and promotions
- Detailed inventory tracking for up to 1,000 locations [10]
- Support available 24/7 through chat, email, and phone [10]
- Sell digital products with the right apps [28]
Shopify pros and cons
Pros:
- You control your brand’s identity and customer experience [9]
- Zero transaction fees with Shopify Payments [29]
- List unlimited products at no extra cost [29]
- Great mobile app rated 4.7/5 on iOS and 4.2/5 on Android [29]
- Strong app marketplace with 8,000+ extensions [9]
Cons:
- You need a monthly subscription unlike Etsy’s free listing model
- Digital products require extra apps [28]
- Additional apps can raise your monthly costs [30]
- Takes more time to learn than marketplace platforms
- Getting traffic is your responsibility
Shopify pricing
The platform starts with a 3-day free trial and $1/month for three months. Then choose from these plans:
- Basic: $39/month or $29/month yearly – perfect for beginners [3]
- Grow: $105/month or $79/month yearly – works well for small teams [3]
- Advanced: $399/month or $299/month yearly – designed for growing businesses [3]
Online payment processing costs start at 1.4% + $1.85 per transaction, based on your plan [3].
Shopify best for
Shopify works best for:
- Creators who want to own their brand identity
- Sellers looking to avoid Etsy’s 6.5% fees
- Artists selling digital and physical products
- Businesses ready to grow beyond marketplaces
- Creators focused on building customer relationships
Unlike Etsy’s marketplace approach, Shopify lets you control your customer data and marketing. These tools help build a sustainable business [9].
Big Cartel
Image Source: The Best Place to Learn E-Com
Big Cartel has grown into a dedicated platform that helps artists and creators break free from marketplace restrictions. The platform has generated $2.50 billion in sales [6] and serves independent sellers and small creative businesses.
Big Cartel key features
The platform provides these creator-friendly tools:
- Customizable online storefront with free themes
- Mobile app for iOS and Android management
- Sales tax autopilot on every plan
- Product importing from Etsy, Squarespace, and Shopify [11]
- In-person selling capabilities
- Discount and promotion management
- Print-on-demand connections
Big Cartel pros and cons
Pros:
- Zero platform fees beyond payment processing
- Clear, straightforward pricing structure
- Free plan that never expires
- Live statistics track your performance
- Custom domain support on paid plans
Cons:
- Product listings capped at 500 items
- Simple customization compared to WordPress solutions
- PayPal and Stripe are the only payment options
- Marketing tools need improvement
- Integration options lag behind larger platforms
Big Cartel pricing
Big Cartel keeps pricing transparent with three tiers:
- Gold (Free): 5 products, simple features
- Platinum: $15/month ($12/month annually) – 50 products, inventory tracking
- Diamond: $30/month ($24/month annually) – 500 products, priority support [6]
Big Cartel best for
Big Cartel shines brightest with:
- Independent artists and designers who have smaller inventories
- Creators who want simplicity without technical barriers
- Small businesses ready to move beyond marketplaces
- Sellers testing online sales with limited budgets
- Creative entrepreneurs who value clean, simple store management
Redbubble
Image Source: www.redbubble.com
Redbubble lets artists sell their designs on over 70 different products through its print-on-demand marketplace. Artists don’t have to worry about inventory. The platform draws 40 million monthly site visitors, which gives creators the most important exposure [31].
Redbubble key features
The platform provides artists with these helpful capabilities:
- Millions of shoppers looking for unique designs make up the existing customer base
- The platform takes care of global printing, packaging and shipping
- Artists can control their profit margins (20% default but customizable)
- Multiple wall art options and formats
- Benefits vary across three account levels: Standard, Premium, and Pro
Redbubble pros and cons
Pros:
- Joining and listing products costs nothing [32]
- You decide your pricing and profit margins
- Products ship within 7 days typically [31]
- The platform handles taxes and customer service
- You don’t have to manage inventory
Cons:
- Competition is tough with 800,000+ artists on the platform [33]
- Your account could be suspended without notice [31]
- Standard accounts face fees after sales [34]
- Storefront branding and customization options are limited
- Payments process only after reaching $20 minimum [16]
Redbubble pricing
The platform uses a straightforward commission structure:
- Your retail price equals base product price plus markup
- Products start with 20% markup but you can adjust it [35]
- Popular items like stickers can handle 100%+ markups [13]
Redbubble best for
The platform works great for:
- Artists who want their designs to generate passive income
- Creators who avoid upfront costs and technical setup
- Designers who focus on wall art and prints [31]
- Sellers who want marketplace visibility without marketing expenses
Squarespace
Image Source: Squarespace
Squarespace works as a complete website builder with strong ecommerce capabilities. Creators who want more control over their brand will find it a good alternative to Etsy.
Squarespace key features
Squarespace’s core capabilities help creators succeed:
- Mobile-responsive templates that showcase visual content beautifully [14]
- Ecommerce tools to sell physical products, digital downloads, and services [15]
- Member areas to sell gated content and courses [14]
- Scheduling tools for service-based creators [14]
- Email marketing to connect with customers directly [14]
- SEO tools to boost search visibility [36]
Squarespace pros and cons
Pros:
- Full control over brand and customization [37]
- No fees on Commerce plans [36]
- Professional templates that look great [14]
- Everything you need in one place – hosting and domain included [14]
Cons:
- Digital products can’t have variants [38]
- Downloads last only 24 hours (but auto-resend works) [38]
- Takes more time to learn than marketplaces [14]
- You pay monthly even without sales [12]
Squarespace pricing
Squarespace has four main pricing plans:
- Personal: $16/month annually ($25 monthly) – simple website, no ecommerce [2]
- Business: $23/month annually ($36 monthly) – has 3% transaction fees [2]
- Commerce Basic: $27/month annually ($40 monthly) – zero transaction fees [2]
- Commerce Advanced: $49/month annually ($99 monthly) – advanced features [2]
Squarespace best for
Squarespace works great for creators who:
- Want total control of their brand [37]
- Need to sell digital and physical items in one place [15]
- Love great design but don’t code [14]
- Want all their tools in one platform [12]
Amazon Handmade
Image Source: SellerApp
Amazon Handmade has given artisans access to millions of customers since 2015. The platform maintains a curated experience for handcrafted goods. This specialized marketplace operates as a separate sales channel within Amazon’s ecosystem, exclusively for makers who sell genuine handmade products.
Amazon Handmade key features
Amazon Handmade stands out with several creator-focused capabilities:
- Artisans can share their story and craft experience through profiles
- Product authenticity verification through application and audit processes
- Products can be customized via Amazon Custom
- Sellers reach Amazon’s global customer base of over 300 million users [39]
- Sellers can choose to integrate with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
Amazon Handmade pros and cons
Pros:
- Massive exposure through Amazon’s 8-year old marketplace
- Amazon waives the Professional selling plan fee ($39.99/month) after first month [40]
- Listings never expire and have no recurring fees
- Customers trust the Amazon brand name
- Amazon’s customer support handles disputes and issues
Cons:
- Each sale includes a 15% referral fee on shipping costs [41]
- The approval process takes up to two weeks [42]
- Products must fit within 14 categories [43]
- Your brand recognition might suffer
- New sellers find the dashboard challenging
Amazon Handmade pricing
Amazon keeps the fee structure simple:
- You pay $39.99 once for Professional selling plan (waived after first month)
- Amazon takes 15% referral fee from total sale price [44]
- You pay no listing or subscription fees
- FBA fees apply only if you use Amazon’s fulfillment services
Amazon Handmade best for
The platform works best for:
- Artisans who want to reach Amazon’s massive customer base
- Sellers of premium handmade items where volume offsets the 15% fee
- Creators who prefer efficient shipping through FBA
- Verified handcrafters who want to use Amazon’s reputation
Comparison Table
| Platform | Transaction Fees | Monthly Cost | Key Features | Best For | Main Limitations |
| Easy Digital Downloads | None (beyond payment processor) | Free – $499.50/year | – Complete shopping cart system – File download protection – Discount code management – Software licensing | Digital product creators, software developers | WordPress knowledge needed |
| WooCommerce | None (beyond payment processor) | Free plugin + hosting costs ($200-$1,500/year) | – WordPress integration – 50,000+ extensions – Multiple payment gateways – Global tax automation | Creators who want complete brand control, digital/physical sellers | Technical setup needed |
| Gumroad | 10% + $0.50 per sale | None | – Built-in email marketing – Pay-what-you-want pricing – Membership capabilities – License key generation | Digital creators who want quick setup, content makers | High transaction fees |
| Sellfy | None (beyond payment processor) | $29-159/month | – Print-on-demand service – Email marketing – Upselling features – PDF stamping | Digital creators, merchandise sellers | Monthly subscription needed |
| Creative Market | 50% commission | None | – 4GB file uploads – Weekly free goods program – Detailed analytics – Marketing support | Graphic designers, digital artists | High commission rate |
| Payhip | 5% (Free plan) to 0% (Pro plan) | $0-99/month | – Multi-product support – VAT handling – Instant payouts – Affiliate system | Digital creators, course creators | Limited customization |
| Lemon Squeezy | 5% + $0.50 per transaction | None | – Tax handling – License key generation – Subscription management – Abandoned cart recovery | Digital creators, software developers | Digital products only |
| Shopify | None with Shopify Payments | $39-399/month | – 70+ themes – Multi-channel selling – Inventory management – 24/7 support | Creators who want brand control, scaling businesses | Takes time to learn |
| Big Cartel | None (beyond payment processor) | $0-30/month | – Free themes – Mobile app – Sales tax automation – Import tools | Independent artists, small creative businesses | Product listings capped at 500 |
| Redbubble | Variable (base price + markup) | None | – Print-on-demand service – Global shipping – Flexible margins – No inventory needed | Artists seeking passive income | High competition |
| Squarespace | 0-3% (plan dependent) | $16-49/month | – Visual templates – Membership areas – Appointment scheduling – Email marketing | Creators who want visual appeal | Takes time to master |
| Amazon Handmade | 15% referral fee | None ($39.99 first month only) | – Artisan profiles – Product customization – Amazon customer base – FBA integration | Handmade product sellers | Strict approval process |
Conclusion
Learning about these 12 Etsy alternatives gives you a better picture of platforms that could boost your profits as a creator. Each platform has its own strengths based on what you need. Digital product creators might prefer Easy Digital Downloads or Gumroad. Artisans who sell physical items could do better with Shopify or Amazon Handmade.
Your business’s specific needs should guide your choice. Transaction fees make a big difference—platforms like WooCommerce and Sellfy don’t charge Etsy’s 6.5% commission. In spite of that, you should think over other aspects like how easy it is to set up, ways to customize your store, and access to ready buyers.
Creators often find it hard to know what their audience wants to buy before they start making products. Rupa helps solve this problem. It lets you find out what your followers want to buy and launch products quickly. This makes it easier to turn your followers into customers who pay.
Moving away from a 10-year old marketplace means you’ll need to bring traffic to your store yourself. The benefits are worth it in the long run. You’ll own your customer relationships, control your brand’s look and feel, and keep more money—turning your side project into a real business.
Your creative work needs a platform that matches your goals. Take time to review which option fits your needs before you switch. The right Etsy alternative is out there—one that saves you money and helps your creative business grow exactly how you want it to.
Key Takeaways
Discover 12 powerful Etsy alternatives that can significantly boost your creator profits by reducing fees and increasing control over your business.
• Eliminate high transaction fees: Platforms like WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads charge zero transaction fees beyond payment processing, saving you from Etsy’s 6.5% cut.
• Own your customer relationships: Unlike Etsy’s marketplace model, alternatives like Shopify and Sellfy give you direct access to customer data for long-term business growth.
• Choose based on your product type: Digital creators benefit from Gumroad or Lemon Squeezy, while physical product sellers thrive on Shopify or Amazon Handmade.
• Consider setup complexity vs. profit potential: Self-hosted solutions like WooCommerce require more technical knowledge but offer unlimited customization and higher profit margins.
• Factor in monthly costs vs. transaction fees: Some platforms charge monthly subscriptions (Shopify, Sellfy) while others take per-sale commissions (Gumroad, Creative Market) – choose what aligns with your sales volume.
The key to success lies in matching the right platform to your specific needs, product type, and technical comfort level. While moving away from established marketplaces requires more effort in driving traffic, the long-term benefits of higher profits and brand control often justify the transition for serious creators.
FAQs
Q1. Is it still possible to make money on Etsy in 2025? Yes, it’s still possible to make money on Etsy in 2025, but many creators are exploring alternatives due to increasing fees and competition. Platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, and Easy Digital Downloads offer more control and potentially higher profit margins for established sellers.
Q2. What are some popular alternatives to Etsy for creators? Popular Etsy alternatives include WooCommerce for complete customization, Shopify for scalable businesses, Gumroad for quick digital product sales, Amazon Handmade for artisans seeking a large customer base, and Sellfy for creators wanting an all-in-one platform with print-on-demand capabilities.
Q3. How do transaction fees compare between Etsy and its alternatives? While Etsy charges a 6.5% transaction fee, many alternatives offer lower or no fees. For example, WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads have no platform fees beyond payment processing, Payhip’s fees range from 0-5% depending on the plan, and Shopify eliminates transaction fees when using Shopify Payments.
Q4. Can digital product creators make a substantial income on these platforms? Yes, digital product creators can potentially earn significant income on alternative platforms. Some creators report earning $10,000 or more per month by focusing on high-ticket digital products and leveraging platforms with lower fees and better marketing tools.
Q5. What factors should creators consider when choosing an Etsy alternative? When selecting an Etsy alternative, creators should consider factors such as transaction fees, monthly costs, customization options, ease of use, built-in audience access, and specific features for their product type (digital or physical). It’s also important to evaluate the platform’s scalability and tools for customer relationship management.
References
[1] – https://www.ecommerce-gold.com/payhip-review/
[2] – https://www.squarespace.com/pricing
[3] – https://www.shopify.com/pricing
[4] – https://thriveonetsy.com/etsy-vs-creative-market/
[5] – https://www.digitalproductsdp.com/review/creative-market
[6] – https://wise.com/us/blog/big-cartel-fees
[7] – https://freemius.com/blog/creative-market-marketplace-breakdown/
[8] – https://payhip.com/features/online-store-builder
[9] – https://www.shopify.com/compare/shopify-vs-etsy
[10] – https://www.enzuzo.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-using-shopify
[11] – https://www.bigcartel.com/product/pricing
[12] – https://www.mehdiaoussiad.com/blog/squarespace-vs-etsy
[13] – https://www.quora.com/How-much-margin-should-I-set-on-Redbubble
[14] – https://www.sitebuilderreport.com/squarespace-review
[15] – https://www.squarespace.com/ecommerce-website
[16] – https://www.michaelessek.com/sell-on-redbubble/
[17] – https://marinaduque.com/selling-on-etsy-vs-creative-market/
[18] – https://creativemarket.com/membership
[19] – https://support.creativemarket.com/hc/en-us/articles/201193714-All-About-Shop-Sales-Analytics
[20] – https://sugarstudiosdesign.com/2013/12/06/selling-etsy-vs-creative-market/
[21] – https://payhip.com/
[22] – https://payhip.com/features/sell-online
[23] – https://medium.com/@purplegram/why-i-abandoned-etsy-for-payhip-a-digital-sellers-guide-to-avoiding-listing-fees-a6586a19ca22
[24] – https://poweredbyquilting.com/2022/04/12/compare-payhip-vs-etsy-shops/
[25] – https://www.investopedia.com/how-does-payhip-make-money-7566218
[26] – https://marmah.medium.com/why-i-switched-from-etsy-to-payhip-86f2f9f65e20
[27] – https://payhip.com/pricing
[28] – https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/products/digital-service-product/selling-services-or-digital-products
[29] – https://www.stylefactoryproductions.com/blog/shopify-vs-etsy
[30] – https://www.networksolutions.com/blog/pros-cons-shopify/
[31] – https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/redbubble-review/
[32] – https://www.redbubble.com/about/selling
[33] – https://www.printkk.com/blog/articles/redbubble-vs-etsy?srsltid=AfmBOoqqrupVBvmiV6_Nx0chFy9znUjvX7gg8reGt47Ws_PKjyylifRY
[34] – https://blog.redbubble.com/2023/04/how-accounts-are-reviewed-and-classified/
[35] – https://medium.com/illumination/print-on-demand-do-this-one-simple-thing-to-increase-your-redbubble-passive-income-profits-in-2023-fc807c4fc9ce
[36] – https://www.gelato.com/blog/etsy-vs-squarespace
[37] – https://www.artisanfurniture.us/blog/etsy-vs-squarespace/
[38] – https://sarahmoon.net/blog/digital-product-downloads-squarespace
[39] – https://www.zikanalytics.com/blog/amazon-handmade-vs-etsy/
[40] – https://sell.amazon.com/programs/handmade
[41] – https://printify.com/blog/amazon-handmade-vs-etsy/
[42] – https://www.commercecanal.com/commerce-canal-whats-new/the-amazon-handmade-program
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